Google's NotebookLM Head Now Leads Gemini App
Sissie Hsaio, the Google executive who spearheaded the launch of the company's AI chatbot, is stepping down from her role as head of the Gemini app, according to a report from Semafor. The outlet got a peek at a memo that says Josh Woodward, the vice president of Google Labs, will be stepping into her shoes.
In the memo, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis mentioned that this change is all about "sharpening our focus on the next evolution of the Gemini app," Semafor reports. Google's spokesperson, Alex Joseph, confirmed the news to Semafor but kept further comments to themselves.
Hsaio has been with Google for almost 20 years, starting back in 2006 as a product manager for Search and Docs. Google tapped her to lead the Gemini apps in 2021, and she played a big part in rolling out the company's response to ChatGPT, which they initially called Bard. According to Semafor, Hsaio's memo mentioned she's planning to take a "short break" before returning to Google in a fresh role.
Semafor also pointed out that Woodward will keep his position as head of Google Labs while he works on "shaping the next chapter of Gemini." Woodward was behind the creation of NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered note-taking app that comes with an Audio Overview tool. This tool turns your research into a podcast hosted by two AI "hosts." Google has now included NotebookLM in its One AI Premium subscription and even lets users create AI podcasts from Gemini’s Deep Research.
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Comments (70)
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![CarlLewis]()
CarlLewis
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Sissie leaving Gemini? That's a bummer, she was the brains behind the operation. Josh Woodward stepping in might shake things up, but I'm not sure if it'll be for the better. I liked the direction Gemini was headed under Sissie. Hope Josh keeps the momentum going!
0
![WilliamYoung]()
WilliamYoung
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
シシーさんがジェミニを去るなんて残念ですね。彼女が中心となって進めていたので、これからの動きが気になります。ジョシュさんが新たに担当するとのことですが、良い方向に進むことを期待しています。ジェミニの未来が楽しみです！
0
![WillMartinez]()
WillMartinez
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
시시가 제미니를 떠난다니 슬프네요. 그녀가 이끌던 방향이 마음에 들었는데, 조쉬가 새로 맡는다고 하니 어떻게 변할지 궁금해요. 그래도 제미니의 발전을 기대해봅니다!
0
![StevenMartínez]()
StevenMartínez
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Sissie saindo do Gemini é uma pena, ela era a mente por trás disso tudo. Josh Woodward assumindo pode mudar as coisas, mas não sei se será para melhor. Gostava da direção que o Gemini estava tomando com Sissie. Espero que Josh mantenha o ritmo!
0
![AnthonyJohnson]()
AnthonyJohnson
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Qué pena que Sissie deje Gemini, ella era la que lo dirigía todo. Josh Woodward tomando el mando puede cambiar las cosas, pero no sé si será para mejor. Me gustaba la dirección que Gemini llevaba con Sissie. ¡Espero que Josh mantenga el impulso!
0
![HarryLewis]()
HarryLewis
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Honestly, I was kinda bummed to hear Sissie Hsaio is stepping down from the Gemini app. She did a great job launching it! But hey, Josh Woodward seems cool too, so I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of Gemini. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better!
0
Sissie Hsaio, the Google executive who spearheaded the launch of the company's AI chatbot, is stepping down from her role as head of the Gemini app, according to a report from Semafor. The outlet got a peek at a memo that says Josh Woodward, the vice president of Google Labs, will be stepping into her shoes.
In the memo, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis mentioned that this change is all about "sharpening our focus on the next evolution of the Gemini app," Semafor reports. Google's spokesperson, Alex Joseph, confirmed the news to Semafor but kept further comments to themselves.
Hsaio has been with Google for almost 20 years, starting back in 2006 as a product manager for Search and Docs. Google tapped her to lead the Gemini apps in 2021, and she played a big part in rolling out the company's response to ChatGPT, which they initially called Bard. According to Semafor, Hsaio's memo mentioned she's planning to take a "short break" before returning to Google in a fresh role.
Semafor also pointed out that Woodward will keep his position as head of Google Labs while he works on "shaping the next chapter of Gemini." Woodward was behind the creation of NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered note-taking app that comes with an Audio Overview tool. This tool turns your research into a podcast hosted by two AI "hosts." Google has now included NotebookLM in its One AI Premium subscription and even lets users create AI podcasts from Gemini’s Deep Research.
Billionaires Discuss Automating Jobs Away in This Week's AI Update
Hey everyone, welcome back to TechCrunch's AI newsletter! If you're not already subscribed, you can sign up here to get it delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday.We took a little break last week, but for good reason—the AI news cycle was on fire, thanks in large part to the sudden surge of
YouTube’s TV changes include a redesign and more multiview
YouTube Expands Multiview Beyond Sports—Here’s What’s ComingLove the idea of watching multiple streams at once but wish it wasn’t just for March Madness or NFL Sunday Ticket? Good
Google Rejects Offering Publishers More Options to Opt Out of AI Search
Google's Internal Documents Reveal Publisher Control ControversyAccording to a recently disclosed internal document obtained by Bloomberg, Google considered allowing publishers more granular control over how their content is utilized in AI-driven search features. The document, authored by Google Sea
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Sissie leaving Gemini? That's a bummer, she was the brains behind the operation. Josh Woodward stepping in might shake things up, but I'm not sure if it'll be for the better. I liked the direction Gemini was headed under Sissie. Hope Josh keeps the momentum going!
0
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
シシーさんがジェミニを去るなんて残念ですね。彼女が中心となって進めていたので、これからの動きが気になります。ジョシュさんが新たに担当するとのことですが、良い方向に進むことを期待しています。ジェミニの未来が楽しみです！
0
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
시시가 제미니를 떠난다니 슬프네요. 그녀가 이끌던 방향이 마음에 들었는데, 조쉬가 새로 맡는다고 하니 어떻게 변할지 궁금해요. 그래도 제미니의 발전을 기대해봅니다!
0
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Sissie saindo do Gemini é uma pena, ela era a mente por trás disso tudo. Josh Woodward assumindo pode mudar as coisas, mas não sei se será para melhor. Gostava da direção que o Gemini estava tomando com Sissie. Espero que Josh mantenha o ritmo!
0
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Qué pena que Sissie deje Gemini, ella era la que lo dirigía todo. Josh Woodward tomando el mando puede cambiar las cosas, pero no sé si será para mejor. Me gustaba la dirección que Gemini llevaba con Sissie. ¡Espero que Josh mantenga el impulso!
0
April 11, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM GMT
Honestly, I was kinda bummed to hear Sissie Hsaio is stepping down from the Gemini app. She did a great job launching it! But hey, Josh Woodward seems cool too, so I'm cautiously optimistic about the future of Gemini. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better!
0
